The former Watford defender and Swedish international joined the Robins last September hoping to force his way into Lee Johnson’s plans and offer the side some much-needed experience, but injuries and lack of form hindered his time and he had his contract mutually terminated in January.

Ekstrand, who helped Watford to promotion in 2015, made just two appearances for City and signed for Rotherham in February after becoming a free agent.

Joel Ekstrand.

He has since made a single showing for recently relegated United but reflecting on a tough season, Ekstrand has told media in Sweden about how he nearly signed for Leeds, who just missed out on the top six this campaign.

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“I was offered a contract after the medical examination (at Leeds),” said the central defender.

“Afterwards the negotiations were tough. The survey found that my knees looked different, which is obvious when one knee has been operated on for a cruciate ligament injury. They tried to use it against me. Therefore, it was, was it was.”

Ekstrand’s deal with Rotherham expires in the summer so he will again become a free agent.